Japan’s SDF starts joint drills with German, Spanish, French air forces | NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force has launched joint drills with the air forces of Germany, Spain and France. It is the first time air force planes from the three countries have been deployed to Japan at the same time.

The three European countries have been sending aircraft to the Pacific region to conduct joint exercises.

The air forces started deploying their aircraft to Japan on Friday.

About 10 planes, including fighter jets and transport aircraft, of the German and Spanish air forces landed at Chitose Air Base in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido.

The commander of the ASDF’s Second Air Wing, Tanaka Nobutaka, greeted the crews. He said what they are doing is significant for maintaining and strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Spanish Ambassador to Japan Fidel Sendagorta also delivered a speech. He noted this is the first time Spanish fighter jets have carried out a joint drill in Japan. He also said this is part of efforts to expand defense cooperation.

Meanwhile, French fighter jets and aerial refueling tankers arrived at Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo.

The joint drills among the four countries will continue through next Thursday.

Japan’s Defense Ministry says it hopes to deepen cooperation with NATO members for a free and open Indo-Pacific.